So, with much emotion, two days ago I watched the inauguration, far more emotional than I realised I would be. Two moments stood out for me. First, hearing the words Madam Vice-President spoken with such great emphasis by Amanda Gorman. After hundreds of years, America not only has a woman Vice-President but a Jamaican-Indian one. Yes! Second, listening to that 22-year-old Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman then recite “The Hill we Climb”. Wow. Just wow, Take six minutes and listen to her (video at base of this post).
Now, two days later, I think of the immense task ahead, one that no human can take on board alone or in four years. There is much to be done. I take inspiration from the best tv series ever, one I am rewatching in this winter lockdown, “The West Wing”. Over seven seasons, one of the catchphrases of President Jed Bartlet was “What’s Next” (see a fun video here). The tasks ahead of America are vast and innumerable, but with those two words, the President, the ultimate leader, can motivate, build momentum. Leaders can learn from this simple lesson. What’s Next?. Indeed.
Oh, and back to Amanda Gorman. Joe Biden is a good man (and how great it is to have, simple, a good man as President), he and his Vice-President are products of the old America. So, again, What’sNext ? Amanda Gorman is the future. The youth of today’s America are the future. THEY are what’s next.
“
For there is always light,
From “The HIll we Climb” by Amanda Gorman
if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.